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Hey Tor Granite Tramway

Heytor Down quarries were the source of the granite from which London Bridge and part of the British Museum was built in the 19th century. The granite was  transported via an innovative granite tramway that led down from the moor to Stover and thence to Teignmouth Docks. The tramway was constructed from large grooved granite blocks that made up the rails and consists of a main line with six sidings that served the individual quarries. Horses and gravity were used to move the heavily laden trucks. It was put together in the 1820's by George Templar who managed the quarries around Hey Tor. By 1850 competition from Cornwall put paid to the business and the tramway fell into neglect. Owing to the nature of the rails large parts of the old tramway exist. Of particular interest are the "points" from which trucks were directed down different lines of the tramway. 
You can park at a number of places around Hey Tor. This walk started at the roadside car park halfway between Saddle and Hey Tor (SX 754764). Follow the north track over the ridge and head leftwards to try and find the sparse remains of one of the branch lines that dealt with East quarry. Once found then head along the track until you find the more extant remains of the tramway. Then you can take whatever route you like although it is nice to end up at Hey Tor to admire the good view and watch the climbers.
This is an easy area to walk and it is very popular with local people and tourists. Rather a stroll than a walk allow 1 - 2 hours depending on what you want to see. However, even in July it can be cold and misty up here.
 
A boundary stone with one of the bosses of Hey Tor behind.
Fragments of the granite junction at East quarry - SX 753768.
The remains of the tramway near  East quarry.
The junction (SX 753775) from which a siding leads towards Rubble Heap.
The junction (SX 757778) where the siding descends to Holwell quarry. The hole in the granite housed a pole which was used to direct the trucks down the right line.
The steep incline that goes down to Holwell quarry. Horses would have worked hard to drag granite laden trucks up here! 
The tramway track going through the heather over Heytor Down. 
A bridge that carries the tramway for Heytor ponds - SX 762778.
Another view of the tramway bridge with the twin bosses of Hey Tor on the skyline.
The track branches off towards the quarry.
The tramway enters the big quarry of Heytor ponds.
A view over the disused quarry at Heytor ponds - SX 760774.
The eastern dome of Hey Tor. This distinctive tor is regularly used by climbers. It can be seen from many miles around and also from ships out at sea. Hey probably derives from High. 
Another view of the eastern dome.
And another view. Note the climbers.
The inner side of the western dome of Hey Tor.
The south easterly view from Hey Tor. The well used carpark lies down below. Beyond the cloud lies the towns of Newton Abbot and Teigmouth. In clear weather the view is extensive.
The western dome of Hey Tor.
A fragment of the granite rail. The incised flange can be easily seen.
The tramway where it is cut off at SX 769775 by the Haytor - Manaton road.
A view of the tramway from the Manaton road.
 


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